Clinical Psychology
Clinical Psychology
As a psychologist Dr. Peters views psychological well-being from a holistic approach in accordance with the definition of the World Health Organisation (WHO) which states that “health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity” (2006).
In accordance with this definition, her clinical practice renders services focused on both minimising pathology and optimising mental health.
These services include, but are not limited to:
- Assessment and diagnosis of children
- Assessment and diagnosis of adults
- Therapeutic interventions
Problems addressed in therapy include, but are not limited to:
- Trauma
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Bipolar mood disturbance
- Obsessive-compulsive behaviour
- Somatic manifestations
- Elimination disorders (e.g. bedwetting)
- Personality conflict
- Neurocognitive disorders
- Relationship difficulties
The therapeutic process differs for adults, children and toddlers.
With adults a solution-focused process is followed. The duration of therapy depends on the type of presenting problem, any underlying psychopathology and clients’ reaction to psychotherapy.
For an uncomplicated presenting problem, therapy may be effective within 3-6 sessions of 50min each. For a longstanding problem spanning many years, the therapeutic process may take much longer. With children the therapeutic process is adjusted not only to their age, but also to their developmental level. Often play therapy is used in combination with Gestalt-therapy or EMDR®. A first consultation with (preferably) both parents, is followed by 6 x 50 minute sessions of therapy. This approach is usually sufficient to address uncomplicated presenting problems.
All of the above services are available in both Afrikaans and English.
